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The Right to the Ordinary: Money, Choice, and Dignity for Autistic Adults
Andrew recently spent a night in New York City. It was a staycation — a Broadway show, dinner in Manhattan, an overnight stay at a Times Square hotel, and shopping for souvenirs. Andrew is a young autistic man supported by AABR, and during this particular trip, something new was in his...
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Adulthood Isn’t a Birthday: The Systems That Make Financial Autonomy Possible for Autistic Adults
I became a legal adult on a birthday. Financial autonomy took longer. Those two things are constantly treated as though they happen at the same moment. At eighteen, the law can recognize a person as capable of signing contracts, opening accounts, consenting to services, travelling, working,...
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Advancing the Rights-Based Inclusion of People Who Need and Use AAC: A Guide to Allyship
People often ask CommunicationFIRST for our recommendations for interacting with people who need and use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools and supports,1 including nonspeaking autistic people, autistic people who are sometimes able to speak, and people with other...
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More Than Spoken Words: How DSPs Help People Find Their Voice
Everyone has a voice, even if they don't communicate through speech. Expression can take many different forms — from gestures and facial expressions to communication devices, pictures, and written words. When people with developmental disabilities are given the tools, support, and opportunities...
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A Therapist’s Guide to Teaching Autistic Adults Self-Directed Living Skills
Supporting autistic adults in creating self-directed lives, guided by their own preferences, goals, and values—is one of the most meaningful roles a therapist can play. Whether you are a behavior specialist, psychotherapist, social worker, counselor, or life skills coach, fostering autonomy...
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Rethinking Guardianship: Empowering Autistic Individuals and Preserving Rights
Often when I encounter families with young autistic kids, they are admittedly very anxious about their child’s future. Who will take care of my child when I die? How can I make sure I am an active decision-maker in their lives when they reach adulthood, especially if they are non-speaking or have...
